Book Club

Students are given the option of 5 books and self-enroll on a first come first serve basis in groups of 5-7 (this sometimes means that there is more than one group per book). Students are required to meet 3 times across the semester and individually submit two deliverables. The first deliverable is a progress report where they are expected to have met once with their group and read half of the book. This submission asks them to provide an overview of initial reactions to their book and its connection to course material. The second deliverable is a final book club reflection where they have completed, or almost completed, the entire book and met with their group the remaining two times. This submission requires them to reflect on the course holistically as it connects to the book’s contents, the group’s discussions, and relevant societal issues – in part using evidenced based support. This can be used in online and face-to-face course modalities. 

I’ll start by saying, “Yes! Listening to an audiobook version is perfectly acceptable!”  Each semester, I choose 5 books for students to choose from for this assignment. You will self-enroll in a group corresponding of your book choice on a first come, first service basis and read the respective book – which is on a mental health topic. The groups do have maximums. Please wait until the until you have successfully enrolled in a group before purchasing your book. If you do not enroll in your group in time, your instructor will assign you at their discretion and you will be expected to read that book. 

You and your group members are required to meet 3 times across the semester to discuss your books – One of these meetings must occur before the progress report assignment is due (see below). Your progress report and final reflection must demonstrate that the meetings took place. How you and your group meet (e.g., zoom, phone call, g-chat, BlackBoard Collaborate) is at your discretion. 

1. 1. Progress Report (10% of final grade): You will submit this around halfway through the course. By this point you should have read almost half of your book and had 1 meeting with your group members. You will submit a progress report (1 - 2 pages) summarizing your meeting discussion, what you have learned thus far, and connect your book with course material that has been covered thus far. Specific prompt questions are given. Everyone should submit their own individual paper. This is NOT a group submission.  Your submission should address the following points:

      • What were the dominant topics discussed with your group?

      • What are your initial reactions to you and your group member’s book(s)?

      • At this stage, how does the book you are reading connect with course material you've learned thus far?

      • What connections do you see at this stage to current societal events?

   2. Final Book Club Reflection (25% of final grade): At the end of the course, you will submit reflection (4 – 6 pages) on your book and book club experience. By this point you should have finished reading your book and had all 3 meetings with your group. Specific prompt questions are given, but your paper will synthesize take-aways from your book, your group discussions, make connections with the course material, and discuss relevant societal implications. At least 2 peer-reviewed scholarly sources will be required in this assignment. Citations are not required when referring to your own book (unless giving a quote; does not count toward your requirement) or lecture material. Again, this is NOT a group submission. Your submission should address the following points:

      • What is your overall takeaway from the book and your group discussions? How does this differ from when you completed your progress report, if at all?

      •  How does your overall book connect with the course material?

      • What societal implications/issues does your book discuss? How does it apply?

      • How does your book connect with current research on the topic of {mental health or sex and gender}? (Required that you use 2-peer reviewed scholarly sources!)